Sexuality and developmental disability: Obstacles to healthy sexuality throughout the lifespan

This paper presents a lifespan perspective of sexuality issues for individuals with developmental disabilities. Individuals with developmental disabilities are human beings who have historically been denied the right to express their sexuality or engage in sexual relationships due to misconceptions...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inDevelopmental disabilities bulletin Vol. 34; no. 1/2; pp. 137 - 155
Main Authors Richards, Deborah, Miodrag, Nancy, Watson, Shelley L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Edmonton University of Alberta - The Governors of, Developmental Disabilities Centre 01.01.2006
J
Subjects
Buck v Bell
Civil Rights
Developmental Disabilities
Educational Needs
Genetics
Individual Differences
Misconceptions
Negative Attitudes
Self Esteem
Sex Education
Sexual Abuse
Sexuality
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Summary:This paper presents a lifespan perspective of sexuality issues for individuals with developmental disabilities. Individuals with developmental disabilities are human beings who have historically been denied the right to express their sexuality or engage in sexual relationships due to misconceptions or negative attitudes. Using a hypothetical case to illustrate the challenges experienced by individuals with disabilities, human rights violations and the need for education and appropriate sexual information are highlighted. Issues such as eugenics, vulnerability to abuse, self-esteem, and individual differences are also discussed. Recommendations for practice are provided.
ISSN:1184-0412